James Harvey Irvine, also known as J.I., was an avid outdoorsman who loved the wide open spaces of his ranch.

One of his favorite spots was a grove of old live oak trees at the mouth of Santiago Canyon.

When Irvine's father bought the land in 1864, the grove already was a popular recreational destination with members of the Anaheim Colony, who called the shady retreat The Picnic Grounds.

The 1872 Fourth of July celebration was attended by more than 500 residents who gathered for a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a luncheon under the trees.

The popularity of The Picnic Grounds caused Irvine to worry that the ancient trees would become fuel for a campfire, so he decided to take action.

In 1897, he gave what was described as a "gift munificent," setting aside 160 acres of oak grove to the County of Orange. On Oct. 5, the county treasury paid $1 to Irvine, and the Orange County Park was born.

Irvine had a few requirements for the new park. He insisted that a full-time caretaker be hired. He made sure that a fence be built to protect the trees. He also requested that the park remain open to the public free of charge.

A teetotaler, Irvine also insisted that there be no liquor sales within the park. The first summer after the park opened, the German colonists of Anaheim showed up for their annual picnic with a wagonload of beer. The party was almost canceled until bartenders figured out a way around the rule and began giving away the beer for free.

On June 1, 1926, Orange County supervisors passed a resolution changing the name to Irvine Regional Park, the first regional park in California.

Visitors to Irvine Regional Park still enjoy the natural setting that James Irvine loved. An 8-foot bronze statue of Irvine stands guard near the ancient oaks he sought to protect more than 100 years ago.

Ellen Bell lives in Irvine and is the author of "Irvine: Images of America."

James H. Irvine loved bringing his children, James Jr. (left) and Kathryn (right) to the grove of ancient oak trees on the northern portion of his ranch. COURTESY KATIE WHEELER LIBRARY
Irvine Regional Park was originally named Orange County Park. The land was donated by James Irvine in 1897 to insure the natural preservation of the area. The park became a local treasure for thousands of county residents who enjoyed annual picnics and concerts on the grounds. COURTESY PHOTO
Members of the Irvine Family donated an 8 foot, bronze statue of James Irvine entitled â€œThe Winds of Changeâ€ to mark the parkâ€™s Centennial in 1997. COURTESY PHOTO

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